I’m 16 and working hard for my A levels as I want to be a vet. My dream is to help animals and I can’t wait to work on community welfare and conservation projects (especially with elephants, orangutans and stray dogs).

This August I have challenged myself to complete my first ever triathlon to raise money to help save lives and protect people from Covid-19 in the Amazon Rainforest. This urgent work is being carried out by two Colombian charities which are very close to my heart - ‘Fénix’ and ‘Natutama’. Both were founded by family friends and so I have grown up hearing all about the extraordinary work they do. Fénix works with vulnerable teenage girls in Bogota, supporting  them to stay in school and further education where it would otherwise be impossible. Natutama works with Indigenous communities in Puerto Narino in the Amazon rainforest, supporting community-led protection of their ecosystem - especially manatees and river dolphins!

Fénix and Natutama are now on the front-line of the Amazon Covid-19 Appeal. High levels of malnourishment, a complete lack of even basic medical equipment, and no government aid for vulnerable Amazon communities means it’ they are depending on  charities such as Fénix and Natutama for help. Fénix is striving to provide PPE for health care workers and oxygen regulators; Natutama is  distributing food to families who desperately need it.

I have always found their work inspiring and now they need support more than ever, so I would like to do my part to help.

I am going to complete the triathlon in the Pyrenees during my family holiday. First I’m going to do the swim in a local mountain lake (1500m), followed by the cycle (40km) and run (10km) – which will both have the extra, unavoidable challenge of going up and down the mountains! I enjoy running with our dogs, have been part of Bath Dolphins Swimming Club since I was 7, and have more recently started road cycling during lockdown. This will be the first time I’ve put all three together. I am excited to do this challenge, especially to raise money for such an urgent and life-saving cause. Please support me in helping these vulnerable people.